Rahim Al-Hussaini is now the new leader of the Ismaili Muslim community. REUTERS
Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims worldwide, following the passing of his father, Aga Khan IV. The announcement was made on Wednesday, confirming that Rahim Al-Hussaini, 53, has succeeded his father as the Aga Khan V, as stated in his father’s will.
The Aga Khan is considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is regarded as both a spiritual and a global leader. His father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, also known as Aga Khan IV, passed away on Tuesday in Portugal, surrounded by his family.
Prince Rahim, the eldest son of the late Aga Khan, was educated in the United States and studied comparative literature at Brown University. Over the years, he has been actively involved in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), serving on various boards and focusing on humanitarian efforts, including health care, education, and economic development.
The AKDN, the main philanthropic organization associated with the Ismaili community, operates in over 30 countries and manages an annual budget of around $1 billion for nonprofit projects. Its initiatives range from improving rural economies to building hospitals and schools in underserved regions. One of Prince Rahim’s key areas of focus within the network has been combating climate change and protecting the environment.
The late Aga Khan IV was a widely respected figure known for his contributions to humanitarian causes and his role in bridging cultural and religious divides. He was granted the title of "His Highness" by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957, following the passing of his grandfather, Aga Khan III, who had unexpectedly named him as his successor.
Beyond his spiritual role, Aga Khan IV was known for his influence in business and philanthropy. He helped establish hospitals in countries where medical care was scarce, such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. His contributions extended to economic development, where he invested in improving local economies to uplift communities in need.
Ismaili Muslims have historically lived in regions such as Iran, Syria, and South Asia before spreading to East Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. In recent decades, they have also settled in North America, Europe, and Australia. Followers of the Aga Khan donate up to 12.5% of their income to support community projects under his leadership.
According to Georgetown University professor Shenila Khoja-Moolji, who specializes in Muslim societies, the Ismaili community looks to the Aga Khan for guidance in both spiritual and daily matters. His role extends beyond religious leadership, as he is believed to have divine knowledge that enables him to interpret Islamic teachings.
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, now the Aga Khan V, has three siblings—two brothers and one sister. As he steps into his new role, he is expected to continue his father’s legacy, leading the Ismaili community and advancing the global humanitarian work of the Aga Khan Development Network.
